A pensioner was left battered and bruised after being smashed with an iron bar in a seemingly motiveless attack.

And the 67-year-old's dog was also beaten after trying to go to its master's aid.

The man was walking his mongrel dog Ben in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church in Stockton town centre at about 9.15pm last night when he was hit from behind.

The retired steel erector was struck at least three times and was injured on the forehead and arms, as he tried to protect himself.

A police spokesman said: "Police are hunting a man who attacked a pensioner with an iron bar as he walked his dog near to his home.

"His dog was also struck as it tried to protect its owner as he lay on the ground."

The victim suffered a cut forehead, which needed stitches and bruising and was detained in the University Hospital of North Tees overnight, although he is expected to be released later today.

No words were spoken during the incident and no attempt was made by the assailant to take anything off him.

The attacker is said to be in his late teens or early 20s between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall, of very thin build with short dark hair. He was wearing either a white t-shirt with long red sleeves or a red t-shirt with long white sleeves.

The assault was witnessed by a passer-by who chased after the man and followed him into Yarm Lane but he lost him near Rileys snooker club.

Police want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time. Contact PC Andy Rowland on 01642 302226.